James Riley

James R. "Jimmy" Riley, age 68, of Drexel Hill, PA, passed away on February 28, 2021.   Born in Darby, PA, he was the son of the late Francis X. and Helen Riley (nee McLaughlin).

As a young child, Jimmy lived in the "The Meadows" section of Philadelphia then moved to Yeadon, PA on June 15, 1960.  He was a 1970 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, PA.  Jimmy worked as a devout employee for UPS, where he was as a Pre-loader for 35 years, before retiring in 2005.   From there, he became an essential bus driver for the Upper Darby School District, a job he truly enjoyed.  He worked with some great people.   He retired in 2020.

Jimmy married the love of his life, Nancy, in 1980 and they had three children.  Jimmy was a devoted and loving husband.  He loved going on walks with her, spending time with her at their beach house, bringing her coffee every morning, and enjoying her company in their backyard, swimming in the pool and sitting on the deck.  He was a supporter of her many household projects and crafts, as well as her passion for animals.

Jimmy was a caring father to his 3 children, Emily, Sean and Darlene,   If it involved the outdoors, Jimmy was there with them, from sledding, to fishing, to hiking.  He spent many summers with them swimming in the Chesapeake, taking them on bike adventures at the Tinicum Wildlife Preserve and camping with them on Turkey Point, MD.

These traditions carried over into his years as a Pop.  Jimmy loved being with his grandsons and doing the same activities with them that he did with his own children.  He wasn't just a grandfather to them.   He was their "Poppy", a role model and a friend.

In addition to being a dedicated husband, father and Pop, Jimmy had many close friends, "the Guys from Yeadon".  The family would like to thank them for their kind thoughts and prayers.

In his free time, Jimmy also enjoyed playing baseball, taking long walks in Valley Forge Park and at Fort Mifflin.  He enjoyed trout fishing in Ridley Creek State Park, hunting in Towanda, Bradford County, PA and swimming in his backyard.  He also loved going to their home in Crystal Beach Manor in Earlville, MD.  He favorite pastimes were the Philadelphia Eagles and being with his family and his dogs, Gus, Hoyt and Dawson.

Jimmy had a true appreciation for the outdoors, family, and the simple things in life.  He leaves his loved ones with many cherished memories.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Riley (nee Thinnes), his loving children Emily J. Berkheiser, Sean R. Riley and Darlene Mae Riley.  Also survived by his grandchildren Michael Rocheleau, Christopher Terrinoni, Nicholas Terrinoni and Kane Riley-Fisher.   Brother of Richard Riley (Denise), Nancy Froio and the late Francis Riley, Renee A. Grawl, Suzanne Riley and Patricia Riley.   He is also survived by his 6 nephews Martin Grawl, Michael Grawl, Terence Grawl, Vincent Froio, Curtis Miller, Matt Riley and his niece, Amy Blosz.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Monday, March 8, 2021  9:30-10:30 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3422 Dennison Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA and to his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.  Interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

Masks are to be worn when visiting the family, to the Funeral Mass and Cemetery.  Social distancing is to be observed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jimmy's name to the Lankenau Hospital Heart Pavilion, 100 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA 19096 or to the Providence Animal Center, 555 Sandy Bank Road, Media, PA 19063 would be appreciated.

The Riley family would like to thank the nurses from Main Line Health for their kindness and support to Jim.  They are a great group of men and women.  The family would also like to thank the Case Managers, nurses and doctors at Lankenau Hospital Heart Pavilion on the 1st, 2nd and 4th floors, as well as the nurses on the 3rd floor.  You are the best!